C-Reactive Protein

About CRP / C-reactive protein:

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein that is found in blood plasma. Its levels within the body rise in response to inflammation. It plays a key role in the body’s early defense against infection.
CRP is classified as part of the pentraxin family and has the honor of being the first pattern recognition receptor to be definitively identified by researchers.

CRP Structure
The gene for CRP was identified on chromosome 1. It has a molecular mass of 25,106 Da and 224 amino acids.

C-reactive protein Function
CRP has been found to bind itself to lysophosphatidylcholine on the surface of cells that are dead or dying. This binding activates the complement system, clearing apoptotic and necrotic cells.
The CRP response occurs in both acute and chronic inflammatory instances. These can be fungal, bacterial, or viral in nature. It can also occur in response to tissue injury, necrosis, and certain malignancies.
As a result of these conditions, the body produces interleukin-6 and cytokines which in turn trigger the production of CRP in the liver.

CRP As A Diagnostic Tool
CRP levels are measured as a marker for inflammation inside the body. CRP levels can be used in the detection, monitoring, and diagnosis of many illnesses and diseases. Cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease, Fibrosis, Cancer, Sleep apnea, Rheumatoid arthritis, Viral and bacterial infection.
CRP production is unaffected by almost all factors excluding those of liver failure and the use of the drug interferon-alpha, which is used to treat viruses and certain types of cancer.